Justice Is Served

by Robert K. Ressler, Tom Shachtman

A behind-the-scenes look at the notorious murder of Cleveland's Marilyn Steele by her husband Judge Robert Steele and a set of hired killers

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

220 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1994

About the author

Robert Kenneth Ressler was an FBI agent and author. He played a significant role in the psychological profiling of violent offenders in the 1970s and is often credited with coining the term "serial killer."

Reviews

[Darth Jader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well researched and well written book about a wild case in which notable Cleveland judge Robert Steele hired a hitman to kill his wife while she slept in the downstairs bedroom (because he was having an affair, of course). It's easy for Robert Ressler to provide us with so much information as he was the point person on this case for a long time before transferring to the FBI headquarters in Quantico. I really enjoyed how the author set up the story, beginning with the night of the murder and then slowly transitioning into how he came to be a part of the case via investigating Owen Kilbane's numerous prostitution operations in the state. He alludes to the Steele murder a lot during this first half of the book which keeps it fresh in the audience's mind and keeps the mystery of what happened alive. I really enjoyed that the author took time to explain aspects of the case (like how informants actually work, how he went undercover to gain access to these operations, how he gathered evidence and properly took statements from people involved, and the general mindset of how he approached nabbing Kilbane in an attempt to get at Steele for the murder of his wife). I really feel like a learned a lot about what a detective does and goes through to solve a case. The last half of the book primarily focuses on the trial and the numerous appeals processes including some scummy attempts by Steele to free himself from prison. There are no photos which is typical in a St. Martin's press book so I found that a little strange. My only other complaint is that the ending of the book kind of felt rushed (I'm wondering if its due to the publisher trying to hit a page count as these early St. Martin's Press books like to be 300-350 pages). Other than that, this is a very good true crime story that covers a crazy, wild case very thoroughly and is written by an author who doesn't have a "I'm smarter than you" tone that is all too common in these narratives (especially if they are written by ex detectives or cops). Robert Ressler actually becomes a very likable, relatable character within the story; I would recommend this to any fan of true crime (especially fans of the Mindhunter series or criminal profiling).

[Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful Book Inn in Fairhope, Alabama, had an old, dog-eared copy of Justice is Served in its True Crime section. I’d never heard of the crime or the book, but I bought it and my small investment turned out to be well worth it. Justice is Served is an amazing, tragic story in the “You-wouldn’t-believe-it-if-it-weren’t-true” category.

Back in January 1969, Judge Robert Steele of Euclid, Ohio, seemed to have it all - a much-admired wife (Marlene Steele), two sons, a nice home, his judgeship, and a good chance of becoming Euclid’s next mayor. Then, someone murdered Marlene while Judge Steele and the two boys were in the next room of the Steele home.

An investigation quickly showed that Judge Steele was not all that he appeared to be. During his judgeship, he’d fallen in love with another woman. Even worse, he’d become involved with many of the mobsters and prostitutes who passed through his courtroom. Soon after the murder, Judge Steele married the woman with whom he was having his affair.

It didn’t take long for suspicion to fall on Judge Steele. But it took decades for the case to end. In 1972, Robert Ressler was assigned by the FBI to work in Cleveland. He determined that parts of the Steele case violated federal law and began a dogged pursuit of Judge Steele.

Justice is Served has many things to recommend it. The reader gets a trip through Cleveland’s 1970s underbelly and the lives of the bottom feeders who lived there. There is also much to think about regarding Judge Steele -a man who seemed to have it all, but threw it all away due to his out-of-control appetites. Finally, the legal case is interesting with much involvement from prominent people - including Ohio’s governor.

There are some drawbacks. The book is part of St. Martin’s cheap-o True Crime Library. There are zero pictures inside the book. Also, another edit would have helped - the story can be choppy and it repeats information.

But I’m passing this one on to my wife with a very-positive recommendation. True-crime fans will not be disappointed.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am somewhat bias about this book, since Agent Ressler was one of my instructors at the FBI academy and I was a member of the Euclid Police Department after the event depicted in this book. However, I felt he did a very fine job of relating this story. It was well written and easy to follow. When I saw Mr. Ressler after reading the book I jested that he had mentioned so many of our department personnel by name, but when it came to me he merely called me the Hypnotist since I worked a peripheral case mentioned in the book. He told me he didn't know it was me. So sorry we lost him to early. He was a good writer, agent, teacher and Human. Enjoy the books he wrote.

[Edwina Book Anaconda]

Robert K. Ressler (February 15, 1937 – May 5, 2013).
Also known as the man who coined the phrase "Serial Killer".

This is a fast paced and very well written true crime book by the Author of "Whoever Fights Monsters".

Highly recommended to fans of the true crime genre.